U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro has launched a powerful new strike force to crush Chinese organized crime syndicates that have bilked hardworking Americans out of billions through sophisticated cryptocurrency scams targeting our most vulnerable citizens.
Story Highlights
- New Scam Center Strike Force targets Chinese crime syndicates stealing billions from Americans through crypto fraud.
- Criminals specifically prey on lonely older Americans, exploiting their trust through fake social media relationships.
- The strike force has already seized $400 million and filed actions seeking an additional $80 million in victim recoveries.
- Treasury sanctions an armed Burmese group and Chinese-linked companies supporting scam operations.
Strike Force Takes Aim at $9 Billion Crypto Crime Wave
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced the formation of the Scam Center Strike Force on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, marking a decisive blow against Chinese organized crime syndicates operating cryptocurrency investment frauds.
The criminal enterprises scammed Americans out of more than $9 billion in 2024 alone, though experts estimate unreported crimes could push that figure fifteen times higher. This staggering theft represents a direct assault on American families’ financial security and retirement savings.
New Scam Center Strike Force Battles Southeast Asian Crypto Investment Fraud Targeting Americans https://t.co/ypch311B4j pic.twitter.com/AaELQAg8BV
— FBI (@FBI) November 12, 2025
Predators Target America’s Seniors Through Social Engineering
The sophisticated scam operations deliberately target older Americans through their loneliness and isolation, according to Pirro’s investigation. Criminals initiate contact through seemingly accidental social media messages, gradually building trust before moving conversations to encrypted platforms.
Once trust is established, victims are shuttled from legitimate cryptocurrency platforms to fraudulent sites controlled entirely by the crime syndicates. This calculated exploitation of American seniors represents a particularly despicable form of elder abuse that demands swift justice.
Comprehensive Mission to Recover Stolen American Wealth
The strike force’s mission encompasses identifying and charging scam organization leaders, tracing stolen funds for victim recovery, and dismantling U.S. infrastructure supporting these operations.
Pirro emphasized her office’s commitment to protecting hardworking Americans, particularly those who cannot return to the workforce after losing their life savings.
The strike force has already demonstrated effectiveness by seizing $400 million and filing actions to recover an additional $80 million for victims. This aggressive approach shows the Trump administration’s dedication to putting American citizens first.
Treasury Sanctions Target International Crime Networks
The Treasury Department simultaneously imposed sanctions on the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), an armed group in Burma, along with four leaders supporting cyber scam centers targeting Americans.
Additional sanctions hit Trans Asia International Holding Group Thailand Company Limited, Troth Star Company Limited, and Thai national Chamu Sawang for their connections to Chinese organized crime.
Under Secretary John K. Hurley noted these criminal networks steal billions while trafficking humans and fueling Burma’s civil war, demonstrating the international scope of this threat.
Private Sector Partnership Strengthens American Defense
Major American companies, including Meta, Microsoft, and AARP, have proactively reached out to collaborate with the strike force in protecting citizens from these sophisticated scams. This public-private partnership approach leverages corporate resources and expertise to build stronger defenses against foreign criminal enterprises.
The cooperation demonstrates how American businesses are stepping up to defend their fellow citizens against international threats. This unified response reflects the kind of America First approach that prioritizes protecting our people over global considerations.
